Mike and Nancy Visman, owners of High Sierra Iris and Wedding Gardens, have been married for over 28 years. They have four grown children: Kirk, Rakayla, and twins Mac and Connor.
The Visman ancestors have been Apple Hill farmers since the early 1900s. Carl Visman, Jr., and his wife Ruth, Mike's parents, started growing apples on the Boa Vista Orchards ranch in the 1960s. Boa Vista Orchards is now managed by Mike's youngest brother, Brad Visman, and his wife Kandi, but Carl and Ruth are still active in the business. Mike's brother Mark Visman owns and operates Hillside Tree Farm, a popular destination for families during the Christmas season. All are active members of the Apple Hill Growers' Association.
The idea for the iris gardens took seed when Mike gave Nancy a blooming iris as a gift for Mother's Day. Nancy was so impressed by the grandeur of the flower that she began to collect them and collect them! Soon she had an entire hillside full of hundreds of varieties of irises. It wasn't long before she began a commercial iris business and even hybridizes her own varieties. Garden tours are offered during the month of May.
The next step just seemed to fall into place, as they imagined sharing the beauty of the ranch and flowers with others. Why not host weddings at this beautiful site? Over the years many amenities have been added to make High Sierra Iris and Wedding Gardens the most beautiful outdoor wedding location in Apple Hill.
